University chaplain sacked after holding service of reparation for Gay Pride

A priest who offered a service of reparation for the “gross offence against God” of Glasgow Pride has been removed as a university chaplain.

Fr Mark Morris offered a Rosary, Litany and Benediction at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Balornock, Glasgow on Monday night.

Glasgow Caledonian University sacked him as Catholic chaplain the following day, saying his views were at odds with those of the educational institution.

University Principal Professor Pamela Gillies said: “Following due consultation Father Mark Morris will not return to his chaplaincy role at the university in September.

“The university will work with the Archdiocese of Glasgow to ensure the continued provision of chaplaincy support for staff and students at our Faith and Belief Centre when the new term starts.

“The university is strongly inclusive and committed to supporting equality and diversity on campus.”

However, the university’s Catholic society said it was “extremely disappointed” at the move. “It is frankly abhorrent that a Catholic Priest would be dismissed from his post as a Catholic chaplain for merely reaffirming the teachings of the Catholic faith,” the GCU Catholic Community said.

“It seems that Glasgow Caledonian University have a very warped understanding of ‘Equality and Diversity’, whereby they have permitted absolutely no diversity of opinion whatsoever. We are very sad to see that the opinions and beliefs of Catholics are not valued or respected at the university chaplaincy,” they added.

“In all charity, we would urge the university to reconsider this unfair dismissal of our chaplain.”

In a brief statement, the Archdiocese of Glasgow said it was “aware of the University’s decision” and will “address the provision of chaplaincy support in due course”.